The Rosarian Academy graduated 51 young men and women from its eighth grade class on May 28. 2001 Rosarian graduate Jonathan Modica addressed the group as the commencement speaker.
Modica encouraged the eighth-grade graduates to not only do things that they find valuable, but to also take chances. “Take chances, because you don’t know what you may love,” he said.
After graduating from Rosarian, Modica proceeded to Martin County High School, then to Connecticut College, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in human development. He also received a master’s degree in urban education policy from Brown University. Currently, Modica is the founder and CEO of Nutmeg Education Inc., which develops software for K-12 schools to help both teachers and students pursue better educational practices in preparing for state standards and state testing.
Following the commencement address, parent Liz Yavinsky was recognized with the Rose and Torch Award for her service to the school. On behalf of the Class of 2015, Student Council President Preslie Brown presented the class gift of $1,200 to be used to establish a fund to be used for the service and support of those in need in the school community. “As we have learned how to be servants of Christ through the good works that we have been able to do while students at Rosarian, we want to continue to give our support to those who may need some help in order to participate in events such as the annual eighth grade class trip to Washington, D.C.,” he said.
Special awards given to students included the President’s Award for Educational Excellence, presented to Caroline Fulton for earning the highest academic achievement in the eighth grade class; the President’s Award for Educational Achievement, given to Rose Ashley Osborne for making an outstanding effort to learn and improve in academic subjects; the St. Dominic Award, presented to Madeleine Landers for demonstrating a strong belief in God, the pursuit of truth in all forms, and the Christian values of kindness, respect and integrity; and the Rowdy Award, honoring Hailey Hersey and Gina Landrum for three years of outstanding dedication and participation in school athletics.
Outstanding achievement in subject area awards went to: religion, Erin Yavinsky; English, Will Keen; literature, Madeleine Landers; science and history, Toby Vega-Dadurian; geometry, MacCrea Murphy; algebra I honors, Sarah Elhilow; pre-algebra, Maya St-Hilaire; Spanish, Hailey Hersey; art, Tommy Keogh; drama, Jake Kaywell; and physical education, Emma Quattlebaum.
ABOVE: Rosarian Academy graduates Madeleine Landers, Taylor Whigham, Caroline Fulton and Will Keen.
